In a shocking turn of events, an undated video has emerged online capturing an incident in France, where former Chief of Army Staff General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa and his wife were mistreated. The video has sparked widespread condemnation from netizens, especially from members of Pakistan’s journalist community, who are taking to Twitter to deplore the incident.
According to the video, General (retd) Bajwa can be seen accompanied by his wife when an unidentified man begins filming them. The man’s nationality is unclear; however, it is being believed online that he is an Afghan due to his speaking in the Pashto language. Despite being warned about potential police action by Gen (retd) Bajwa, the man persisted in capturing the video while using derogatory language towards the former army chief.
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What added to the gravity of the situation was the man’s offensive conduct, taking place in the presence of a woman. The disrespectful language used towards Gen (retd) Bajwa has drawn severe criticism, with many condemning the man’s behavior as disrespectful and demeaning.
“This is highly condemnable; no one can appreciate that but only those who are trained to abuse,” senior Pakistani journalist Asma Shirazi said.
This is highly condemnable , no one can appreciate that but only those who are trained to abuse … https://t.co/7jbCukAwib
— Asma Shirazi (@asmashirazi) June 5, 2023
“The footage of an Afghan national misbehaving with Pakistan’s former CoAS Gen Rtd Bajwa in Paris is deplorable — Blaming Pakistan for the problems in Afghanistan is uncalled for — Bajwa or Pakistan did not ask Ghani to flee away, or the army to not fight or Mohib to stash Afghan money, the list goes on,” Anas Mallick, who is affiliated with India’s WION news channel, said.
The footage of an Afghan national misbehaving with Pakistan's former CoAS Gen Rtd Bajwa in Paris in deplorable — Blaming Pakistan for the problems in Afghanistan is uncalled for — Bajwa or Pakistan did not ask Ghani to flee away, or the army to not fight or Mohib to stash…
— Anas Mallick (@AnasMallick) June 5, 2023
“Extremely unfortunate and condemnable that our respected former COAS Gen (r) Qamar Bajwa was mistreated like this yesterday on the streets of Annecy, France. Pakistan should raise this issue diplomatically. If one is on vacation with family, they should be left alone,” journalist Waqas said.
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Extremely unfortunate and condemnable that our respected former COAS Gen r Qamar Bajwa was mistreated like this yesterday on the streets of Annecy, France. Pakistan should raise this issue diplomatically.
If one is on vacation with family, they should be left alone. pic.twitter.com/QYf0uXetgf— Waqas (@worqas) June 5, 2023
Interestingly, it is also being speculated that the video may have been edited with a voiceover. Nevertheless, the video is still being widely condemned on social media. Such actions are seen as an affront to the principles of dignity and respect.
A video of Ex COAS with abusive voiceover superimposed by an Afghan is in circulation on Twitter. This is condemnable incident, disgraceful editing and irresponsible proliferation
Unfortunately, PTI handles are sharing this extensively. Beware! pic.twitter.com/cF07lv1c8k— Ammar Solangi (@fake_burster) June 5, 2023
Afghan diaspora is one of the worst I've come across. They just want to brew hate and conflict. No matter how much one has a difference with the individuals, attacking someone like this with family is the lowest of the low. I fear this may be repaid in kind now. https://t.co/KVFpVyim8C
— Salman Javed (@M_EssJay) June 5, 2023
The former Army Chief has become the target of much controversy in Pakistan’s political rhetoric as he has been accused by former Prime Minister Imran Khan of being responsible for PTI’s ouster from the government last year.